What not to do in an interview

by | 05.08.19

We would like to share with you the ultimate list of what not to do in a job interview, we have listed below specific things that pretty much any employer would agree would make them think negatively about a job candidate.

We are not saying that doing any one of these things will automatically disqualify you for a job – we’re simply saying don’t take the risk.

 

Arrive late

This should be obvious, even one minute passed the agreed upon time is considered late. Arriving late gives the impression that you not only lack professionalism but also discipline.

Arrive too early

Arriving ten minutes before the interview time is perfect, any earlier could be considered difficult. For instance there may be no one available to greet you or you may run into another interviewee.

Use your mobile phone

In an interview situation using your mobile will definitely reflect badly on you whether you are in the reception area waiting to be interviewed, or even worse in the interview itself – do not do it,  it shows you lack boundaries and respect.

Check the time

Looking at your watch during an interview gives negative signals about your ability to focus and you desire to be there. Again it also shows a lack of respect to the interviewer.

Tell fibs

It is quite normal for job seekers to bend the truth to their benefit when looking for work but you should never go so far as to lie. A fib may not show up in the interview but it probably will if you get a job offer.

Dress inappropriately

There are a lot of different views on what you should wear to an interview, but the general consensus is smart, conservative office wear. Avoid no-go’s like casual or too revealing clothing.

Have a negative attitude

During an interview it is not just your skills that are being assessed it is also your personality. It is really important that you do not get defensive or negative about anything you are asked even it is something from your past which gets you riled up.

 Poor body language

This includes things like not making good eye contact, not smiling, fidgeting throughout the interview, crossing your arms or playing with your hair. This type of activity is distracting and could signal to the interviewer you struggle to focus.

Act desperate

This could be hard if you are actually desperate for a job but giving the interviewer the impression you’d do anything for the job will make the interviewer question your overall self-confidence.

Attend an interview unprepared

You should spend as much time preparing for an interview as you have for any exam you have ever taken. Learn about the Company, anticipate interview questions, draft questions to ask, know where you are going so you are not late.

Dodge tough questions

It is very common in an interview to be asked challenging questions. Don’t avoid answering them but don’t try providing cliché answers. If asked, “What are your weaknesses?” give an honest answer and explain how you address them.

Criticise your current/ former employer

Never, never, never moan about your current or former employer in an interview. An alarm bell will go off with the interviewer the moment you criticise an employer, the interviewer will think “is this how you’ll talk about us too?”

Give too much personal information

You should never willingly offer up information that might result in unintentional discrimination. Keep your discussion points professional. Even when asked “What do you do in your spare time?” Don’t overshare too much personal information.

Blame others for your failures

Even if you currently/ latterly have worked for a very difficult person don’t blame them if the job did not work out. It is better to explain why the position was not for you without blaming the boss for your failure.

Ask about salary and benefits too early

You will have plenty of time to enquire about salary and benefits… after you receive the job offer. These questions are important, but the right time to ask them is when you are offered the role.

We hope that these tips have helped you and we would take this opportunity of wishing you every success with your current job search

Happy job hunting